Honda admit Red Bull deal would put pressure on them

Honda are still very keen to work with Red Bull next season, although their motorsport boss Masashi Yamamoto has questioned whether they could cope with providing for such a big team.

Honda currently supply engines for Red Bull’s junior team, Toro Rosso. Apart from Pierre Gasly’s terrific fourth place in Bahrain, the team has only picked up one other point, courtesy of Brendon Hartley in Azerbaijan.

If Red Bull decide not to switch to Honda engines, they will use Renault again. Red Bull have had a fruitful relationship with Renault, winning four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles between 2010 and 2013.

However, in recent years, the relationship has taken a turn for the worst, and the partnership is at best, strained.

The deadline for telling the FIA about engine suppliers has already passed, but Honda say they don’t mind: “We regard it as a positive thing, giving us time means we have time to consult more,” said Yamamoto. “We are very positive. To deal with Red Bull is a really big thing for Honda, to supply the engine.